The Right Editor, Right Away

Autumn A. Arnett (she/her) joined the EFA in 2024 as executive director, partnering with the Board of Directors to implement the Strategic Plan and to define the direction of the organization’s growth and impact in the community. Autumn brings to the EFA notable nonprofit leadership experience, editorial expertise, and a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and belonging. She comes to the EFA from The Brilliance, Excellence & Equity Project, where she was executive director, launching national programs and an annual conference as well as overseeing a professional development initiative to fortify the teaching force. She also managed teams of freelance writers, photographers, and designers as a communications executive at the Texas Public Charter Schools Association and at Concerned Black Men of America and as a publications editor at Women in Higher Ed (Wiley Publishing), Diverse: Issues in Higher Education, U.S. News & World Report, and Education Dive.

Vina Orden (she/her/siya) joined the EFA in 2019, working in events, communications, and marketing before her promotion in 2026 to chief of staff. In this role, she serves as a thought partner to the executive director on strategic priorities and organizational planning and ensures that key initiatives are implemented and align with the organization’s goals.

Vina also is a freelance community journalist, cultural critic, creative nonfiction writer, and poet and is senior poetry editor at the literary magazine, Slant’d. Previously, she was a fundraiser for cultural institutions, most recently at New York Public Radio, where she was director of major gifts, legacy giving, and special events.

Asher Rose Fox (they/them) has been an editor and activist for over 30 years. A longtime EFA member, Asher is proud to serve the community as the EFA’s director of professional development. They’ve held staff editorial roles at Publishers Weekly, About.com, PCMag, and The Annals of Improbable Research; freelanced for innumerable clients, including Strange Horizons, Popular Mechanics, nonsense nyc, Anesthesiology News, and many individual authors; and volunteered with 10%+, Common Cause, the League of Women Voters, Arisia, Readercon, and Kolot Chayeinu/Voices of Our Lives. Asher also co-edited the groundbreaking and award-shortlisted anthology Long Hidden, delighted Twitter as GRAMMARHULK, and played a human aerodrome for paper airplanes at the Ig Nobel Awards. They make things better.

Oliver Ray (he/him) joined the EFA as events and programs coordinator in late 2023. Oliver earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts in creative writing from Pratt Institute where he also got his start in events. A highly motivated, experienced event planning professional who has a passion for working alongside a small team of other driven creative professionals, Oliver strives to tell a story with each event. In his free time, Oliver hangs out with his beloved birds and plans themed parties for friends.

Carmen Benzine (she/they) joins the EFA as the Community Engagement Specialist. Her goal is to connect with the EFA community and support the different chapters with member participation.

With over eight years of marketing experience she has worked in both indie and traditional publishing houses in various roles. She is currently a freelance fiction editor with membership to both EFA and ACES. Outside of work they enjoy collecting oddities, video games, and cuddling with their cats while reading.

Mark Schaefer (he/him) joined the EFA as membership coordinator in 2023. Mark is an EFA member and a freelance editor operating Schaefer Wordsmithing in Upstate New York. Mark has previously served as the membership coordinator for the Linguistic Society of America in Washington, D.C., and has career and academic backgrounds in law, theology, Russian language, and linguistics.

Mark has edited works ranging from short academic essays to novels to memoirs, in areas as diverse as horror, Biblical theology, politics, religion, and science fiction.

In addition, Mark is a published author, having written The Certainty of Uncertainty: The Way of Inescapable Doubt and Its Virtue (Wipf & Stock, 2018) and the novel Delivering the Commonwealth (Wipf & Stock, 2024).

Ja’dori Scott-Stanley (she/her) joined the EFA in 2026 as an intern before transitioning to a fellowship role in the communications and marketing department, where she supports the EFA’s mission and vision. Ja’dori is a rising senior majoring in communications (media, journalism, film) at Howard University. She has been recognized for her academic excellence, earning acknowledgment on the dean’s list and membership in Lambda Pi Eta, Alpha Epsilon Rho, and National Society of Leadership & Success honor societies.

In addition to excelling academically, Ja’dori is the managing editor of the Howard University yearbook. She actively participates in several student organizations, academic clubs, and competitive professional development programs focused on leadership, media strategy, and career advancement. With over seven years of hands-on experience in video editing and creative multimedia production for companies such as the FDIC, BVCC X Ford Motor Company, and the National Museum of African American History and Culture, Ja’dori brings both technical skill and artistic vision to every project undertaken. She is passionate about crafting impactful stories that inform, inspire, and reflect the complexity of the diverse world around us. Through her unique blend of creativity, discipline, and drive, she is preparing to make meaningful contributions in the evolving fields of law, entertainment, and communications.

Tervonna Pollard (she/her) is a creative strategist and brand and digital marketing designer focused on helping brands show up online in a way that feels clear, intentional, and impactful. She’s passionate about entrepreneurship, advocacy, and innovation, and enjoys using digital storytelling to help businesses connect with their audiences in meaningful ways.

Tervonna brings both creativity and strategy into her work, making sure ideas not only look good but actually resonate. She approaches projects with a strong sense of purpose, always thinking about how to create experiences that feel cohesive and authentic. As a leader, she values collaboration, transparency, and forward thinking.

At the core of her work is a commitment to helping others grow, amplify their voice, and build brands that stand out confidently in today’s digital space.

As a storyteller, you hold the reader’s emotions in the palm of your hand.
I understand storytelling from every angle: as a reader, an editor, an actor, a performer, a director, and a producer. Let me draw on my wealth of experiences to be the driving force to help you develop the best and truest version of your story, book, script, or screenplay and send it out into the world for all to see.

Storytelling is in our nature, and we know so much of our history, both personal and societal, because of the stories we have been told. Stories are also a means of escape and a portal to imagination, allowing people to experience a multitude of lives, viewpoints, and opinions without ever leaving their homes.

As an actor I have lived and performed as other characters, other people. As an editor I will help you bring out the most compelling and engaging characters, and help you tell your story to the best of your ability.

THE STORIES WE TELL HELP DEFINE WHO WE ARE AND EXPAND OUR HORIZONS. I’VE SPENT A GOOD DEAL OF MY LIFE TELLING STORIES AS AN ACTOR AND NOW, AS AN EDITOR, I WILL HELP YOU TELL YOURS.

Whether you write short stories, novels, teleplays, screenplays, or scripts, I can help you develop the best version of your story. I will:

• Help your characters come alive for readers. As an actor I spent my career creating characters. As an editor I will use my abilities to help you write full, engaging characters that readers love, or love to hate!
• Help you craft a compelling story. As a Broadway actor I have been a part of the storytelling process from first draft to final performance. I know how to craft a story from the inside out, and I will help you tell the most engaging version of your story.
• Help you work outside your comfort zone. Using my vast experience in storytelling I will nudge your imagination beyond your comfort zone to reach places you never knew you had within you.
• Help you achieve your goals as a writer. I will work with you as a coach and friend to help you meet your goals and surpass them!

I offer Developmental Editing for Fiction (Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Adventure/Suspense, Mystery, Historical Fiction, Horror, YA, Comedy, True Crime, Off-the-Beaten-Track fiction), Scripts, Screenplays, and Blogs, Sensitivity Reading (fat/obese/BBW, female sexuality, sexual assault/trauma), Book Coaching, and Beta Reading (as time allows).

Testimonial:

Katy Grenfell is the first reader on all of my work. She has a keen mind and a gentle approach to notes that always nudges my writing forward. Katy has been a part of the development process for my scripts included in: the Ethel Woolson Lab, the Palmbeach Dramaworks Festival, the Garry Marshall New Works Festival, the First Light Reading Series, the Carey Perloff Fellowship, the Tennessee Williams Festival, the Eugene O’Neill, and more. Her feedback is invaluable, and no script is complete without her input.

– Erin Considine, Award-Winning Playwright

I want to help you tell your story.

My professional editing experience began in 1999. I proofread financial statements for Ernst & Young, honing my eye for detail and yearning for more soulful narratives. During a subsequent ten-year consulting career that took me on a global travel odyssey, I wrote, edited, and published reports, articles, and blurbs for advocacy and policy organizations focused on human rights, the environment, and responsible business practices.

In 2012 I transitioned to a more fiction-focused career. As co-organizer of the Los Angeles Writers Critique Group, I’ve given dozens of hours of lectures on the craft of fiction and edited thousands of pages of manuscripts.

Now I devote my editing energies to helping new authors with story development and writing mechanics. I am familiar with the Chicago Manual of Style and AP Stylebook, many helpful books on writing, and the lessons learned from writing poetry, fiction, and non-fiction for many years.

My formal education was spent in pursuit of two BAs—one for English (creative writing) and one for Urban Studies—from San Francisco State University, where I served as poetry editor for the literary magazine, Transfer. I currently serve as managing editor of BookSwell, a digital literary startup connecting readers and writers in Los Angeles.

Publications
– Examples of non-fiction publications are available via LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/cody-sisco/4/b07/447.
– My poetry has been published in Transfer and Fourteen Hills.
– For more information on my fiction, please visit https://www.codysisco.com.

My editing style is flexible and my goal is to partner with you to improve the written product and to develop your craft. Send a five-page excerpt of your writing to editor@codysisco.com and let’s discuss how we can best work together.

“Ronane did an excellent job proofreading a business/leadership book I helped put together. Her work was thorough, including commentary on bigger-picture issues where she found them. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend her to any author looking for a final polish on their manuscript.”

— Aaron Hierholzer, editor, MGR360 The Manager’s Playbook

• Do you want a polished final product but the prospect of checking your work for typos, grammar issues, and errors in punctuation gives you hives?
• Are you unsure if your story or business content flows in a cohesive manner that keeps your reader engaged?
• Do you need someone to help you keep your content authentic and inclusive while avoiding problematic wording?
• Are you interested in collaborating with someone who is truly invested in enhancing your work and making it an enjoyable experience?

If your answer to any of these questions is yes, let’s talk! You can reach me at: ro@redappleediting.com 

Blending 13 years of writing, proofreading, editing, and enhancement of career and business content to deliver sound advice and refinements to your work.

• Genres / Content: Crime, short stories (fiction and non-fiction), erotica, resumes, websites, eBooks, and blogs
• Bachelor’s in business and diverse professional background in IT, human resources, and career coaching  
• 8 years of experience writing training documentation, policies, and internal corporate communications 
• 5+ years as a resume coach has helped me fine-tune my ability to let candidates’ voices shine through their writing as they present not only their experience but their personal brand to potential employers  
• Ability to work to expectations and to deadline
• Pro-LGBTQIA+ reader
• ACES Certificate in Editing
• Member of ACES
• Member of EFA
• She/her/hers

Hello! I’m a freelance editor and writer who’s helped over 100 clients get their books out into the world through editing, proofing, formatting, or assessment. And I occasionally write books, too! I love taking on editorial assessments, copy/line editing, proofing, and ghostwriting projects for both experienced and debut authors and creators. I’m also a story creator and novelist with Sterling & Stone, where I create story as intellectual property to turn into books and TV & film features. I’m on the board for Crime Bake, the conference for the New England chapter of Mystery Writers of America.

Academic Editor – Writing Consultant – Dissertation Coach

I work with a variety of clients—individuals and institutions across the academic realm and other intellectual communities—as a developmental/substantive content editor of dissertation proposals, full dissertations, theses, journal articles, books and book chapters, conference presentations, and other scholarly products. In particular, I specialize in qualitative dissertations, as both editor and writing consultant/dissertation coach, working with doctoral students across geographic regions and universities—both brick & mortar and online institutions. These include UNC-Greensboro, A&T State University, East Carolina University, Winston-Salem State University, The Ohio State University, Virginia Tech University, The George Washington University, University of Notre Dame, University of Phoenix, Walden University, and Columbia International University.

Education and Academic Work

• Ph.D. – Educational Studies / Concentration in Cultural Studies
  – AOS: Philosophy of Education and Existentialism
  – Dissertation: “In Pursuit of a Pedagogy of Personhood: Existentialism and Possibilities for Educator Liberation”
• MLIS – Master’s Degree, Library Science & Information Studies
• BA – Bachelor’s Degree, Spanish Language & Culture
• Teaching Professor (Professional Track) & Student Advisor – University of North Carolina at Greensboro

My story is different from most. Being in the proofreading and editing world was not what I envisioned for my life. I graduated from Howard University’s School of Business with a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree in Marketing. My mission was to become a marketing guru. I’ve always worked in marketing and as I climbed the marketing ladder, I did not realize that the positions I held were building blocks that led up to editing books and other documents. A welcomed surprise was how much I enjoyed it.

I was exposed to the world of publishing, proofreading and editing documents as a result of where I worked: PayPal, FINRA, The US Institute of Peace, and Ullico. After reviewing/proofreading marketing materials and campaigns for different marketing departments, my new labels became eagle eye and grammar wizard due to my great attention to detail and ability to eliminate errors that others overlooked.

How Proofreading Books Started

In 2014, I edited my first manuscript for a professor and mentor. My mentor, at the time, knew that proofreading documents was what I did as part of my profession. Thus, he asked me and several other people to review the book. Incidentally, I was the only person who reviewed it. I had red markups all throughout the book. The professor was so thankful for the edits that she incorporated all of them in the book. After this, I was encouraged by another college professor to consider editing as a business. She had so much faith in me that she began recommending my work to others who then asked me to edit their  books. I have been reviewing manuscripts and other documents ever since. I’m proud to say that I have edited several published books that can be found on Barnes & Noble and Amazon.com. I was also recognized by the Baltimore City Council for my editing contribution to the book, Life Happens…But You Can Finish by Dr. Pam Love Manning, Ph.D and Rev. Dr. Frances “Toni” Draper.

It is my pleasure to always put my best foot forward to serve others by doing what I’m passionate about—proofreading and editing.

Sheryl Holmberg – published poet, author and journalist, experienced editor – offers a full range of writing, editing and design services: copywriting, copy editing, page layout and graphic design, proofreading, creative writing, technical writing, manuscript evaluation, developmental editing, line editing, revision/rewriting and ghostwriting.

An award winning writer, Sheryl has done creative and commercial work and is experienced with both print and electronic media. Commercial services include business documents, marketing and promotional materials, web content, manuals and technical documents. Manuscript services include literary and commercial fiction, nonfiction, poetry and scripts for stage and screenplays.

Sheryl has worked with businesses, organizations, publishers, independent authors, academic and technical professionals and ESL clients on projects in the areas of documentation and training materials, social sciences, arts and the humanities, fiction, non-fiction, biography and memoir, education and curriculum development. She has assisted authors seeking to self publish (print-on-demand and e-books) fiction for children and young adults and in the genres of mystery, thriller and romance. She has also worked on textbooks, memoirs, cookbooks and anthologies.

Sheryl is available for articles, papers and book length manuscripts, desktop publishing and graphic design. In addition to writing and editing services, she will create original page layouts, logos and graphic elements for your business or organization or personal project.

Sheryl is dedicated to the art and craft of writing and editing, passionate about language and communication, technical precision and visual artistry. All projects are handled with diligence, creativity and care. Visit her website Vine House Creative (www.vinehousecreative.com) for a closer look.

If you need high quality and fast turnaround at reasonable rates, look no further.

I’m a creative thinker who has a way with words and an eye for detail. My writing is clear and compelling, my editing, proofreading, and fact-checking are meticulous, and clients say I’m a pleasure to work with. My editorial services include copy and substantive editing, house style guides, fact-checking, and proofreading. I write engaging book reviews, author interviews, articles, blogs, and web, newsletter, and marketing content. I’m familiar with Chicago and AP styles and also have some experience with others.

My subject matter expertise includes literary and historical fiction, mystery/thriller, memoir/personal narrative, natural history, urban ecology, environmental conservation, outdoor recreation, parenting, business/entrepreneurship, higher education, art and design, social justice, and mental health. I have experience in educational, medical, and tech publishing, scientific and technical services, small business and B2B marketing, and nonprofit communications.

I chair the EFA’s External Relations Committee and the Discussion List. I’m a member of Women’s Media Group and the National Book Critics Circle and volunteer with the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Prospect Park Zoo.

Hello there! I’m Cyndi and I live in Upstate South Carolina. I’m a voracious reader and I love words. You know those people who want to learn about everything? Yeah, that’s me! I’ve had careers ranging from graphic design to crime lab analysis to wildlife rehabilitation to medical transcription. My hobbies include riding horses, watercolor painting, and watching NFL football, and I’ve even tried basket weaving and beekeeping. I bring this varied background to my freelance copyediting career.

Do you have a novel that needs a professional eye? Short and sweet or long and detailed, new or experienced writer, I can help you make sure your message is clearly understood by your readers. I’m committed to making my clients look good.

I offer copyediting, proofreading, beta reading, as well as transcription services. Fiction genres include sci-fi, fantasy, romance, cozy mystery, young adult, paranormal, and thriller. I also do medicolegal editing/proofreading. I’m happy to do a sample edit of 1000-1500 words so we can see if we’re a good fit for each other, so send me an email and we’ll get started!

Ellis started editing in 2008. No joke, he got into the industry after meeting an indie publisher at a karaoke bar. He’s a lifelong reader with a particular passion for fantasy, historical, and romance novels. Particularly ones with dragons. He can edit across many genres and has worked in many. He currently serves as owner of Insomnia-Self Publishing Services. When not editing, writing, or reading, you can find Ellis teaching historical fencing in the Society for Creative Anachronism, playing TTRPGs, and herding his cats and husband.

Editorial Specialties: Fantasy (and its various subgenres), Paranormal Romance, Historical Romance, Modern Romance, Historical Fiction, Mystery, Thriller & Suspense

Services: Developmental Editing, Line Editing, Copyediting, Typesetting (Print), E-Book Formatting, Book Coaching, Sensitivity Reading Focuses, Disability, LGBTQIA + Mental Illness, Neurodivergence

Publishing can be mysterious.

What’s the right path for you and your project? Should you self-publish or look for an agent and a publisher? What are the steps of publishing a book? And how can you help your story—your wonderful, unique story—find the audience that’s waiting for it?

It’s hard enough to write a book; if you’d like help figuring out the other parts of the process, I’d love to work with you to help you understand and explore your options.

I’m Stephanie Argy. I’m a freelance book editor and designer, and I help authors and small presses bring books into the world. My focus is on nonfiction, especially books on creativity and storytelling. I also work on a variety of other content, including mystery and historical fiction.

More than anything, my goal is to help writers bring their singular, special projects to life. I’d love to hear more about what you’re working on, and how I can help you!

Rozi Doci is a professional book editor and founder of the editorial studio, The Developmental. She specializes in developmental and copy editing for romance, romantasy, fantasy, psychological thrillers, and women’s fiction, working with first-time and self-publishing authors to shape stories with strong structure, pacing, and emotional depth.

She provides organizations and subject-matter experts with research, structural editing, and copyediting for policy briefs, white papers, pitch decks, and marketing copy. Past clients include the U.S. Department of State, U.S. Department of Defense, American Express, Time Inc., L’Oréal, Sephora, and the EU.

Rozi serves on the Board of Directors of the EFA, co-leads the NYC Metro and International Chapters, and is a Young Publishers Association mentor and ACES 2025 Conference speaker.

Looking for a partner to help refine your manuscript? Contact Rozi at rozi.doci@gmail.com.

I’m a music and entertainment industry veteran, writer, dreamer, podcaster, social media manager, producer, rock ‘n’ roll wife, and information hound. As a former internationally touring stand-up comic for nearly 2 decades, I have excellent communication skills, both written and oral (and I’m funny!). I have extensive audio and video production/post-production experience, and am skilled at website design. I’ve served as a social media manager and website designer, managing sites and socials for major corporations and legendary entertainers. I’m an award-winning copywriter. I type 120 words per minute, thanks to my middle school typing teacher Miss Golson. I’m a Virgo with a strong urge to organize. I’m obsessed with file folders. I’m also the author of the National Indie Excellence Award-winning memoir, 14 Days: A Mother, A Daughter, A Two-Week Goodbye, and NIEA and Foreword Reviews INDIE finalist, I Wonder … : A Guided Grief Journal, both published by Savio Republic. My most recent book, A Girl On The Go Guided Journal, was an NIEA finalist in three categories, a Foreword Reviews INDIE finalist, and an Amazon #1 bestseller.

“As a creative and small business owner, my focus is building a brand that will help others in my community achieve their goals and fulfill their passions in the creative industries.”

In her current positions as EFA Governance Board Director and Member Administrator for the EFA Diversity, Equity & Belonging committee, Miesha Hegwood strives to support and bring together underrepresented writers and editors by connecting them with like minds.

Writing a book is a daunting experience, and few people actually publish their books. That’s why I created Your Publishing BFF.

As your bookish bestie, I’ll support you through the writing process with weekly coaching sessions, perform the line and copy edits on your manuscript, and connect you with the publishing pros you need. I’ll even host your virtual launch party or help you plan an in-person affair.

Just like a good friend, I’m kind and compassionate, always ready to help you reframe your self-defeating thoughts. And like a best friend, I’m honest and unafraid to point out areas that can be improved. You’ll be a better writer and more confident in your work as a result.

Don’t take just my word for it, though. Author Truest Carter awarded five stars with this review:

Wonderful experience with Pub BFF! As a newish/older fiction writer, I was nervous about receiving feedback, but Dayna gave such useful tips and edits that I finished the collaboration feeling giddy. I received a thorough feedback memo that covered 14 different areas, including structure.

The edits, while appreciated, were a small part of the big-picture items that I needed help working out. I also received a line-item review/edit/developmental/everything! They patiently provided insights into the publishing expectations and reader perceptions. Priceless! I also appreciated the comments on fact-checking and story flow.

I can’t wait to present my final project. Thanks to them, I’ll be much more confident with the next steps. I highly recommend this service to writers of every level, including novices like me.

Book coaching for self-publishing authors expanding diversity in literature.
I identify as Superfat, disabled, neurodivergent (ADHD and autism), queer, gendervague, and Christian. Except for the religious element, books that reflect these lived experiences are ones I enjoy working on the most. The world needs more books with positive representation of minoritized people.

Gay men falling in love? Yes, please!
Biromantic lesbians solving crimes? Of course!
Chubby children working out issues on the playground? *makes grabby hands*
Selected projects
7 Figure Fiction: How to Use Universal Fantasy to SELL Your Books to ANYONE, Theodora Taylor
Free Fall: An M/M Bodyguard Romance, Kathryn Nolan
The Dashwood Billionaires, Nicky Redford
Devastated and Devoted Duet, Marie Johnston
Oil Barrons, Marie Johnston
A Rescue Dog Romance Series, Casey Griffin
The Doyles Complete Series: A Dark Boston Irish Mafia Romance, Sophie Austin
Memberships and accolades
Editorial Freelancers Association – board member, June 2023–
Contemporary Romance Writers – 2024–25 conference chair, 2023 virtual writing conference co-chair, 2022 member of the year
Romance Writers of America – published two articles in its monthly newsletter
Rainbow Romance Writers RWA chapter – short story appeared in fall 2023 anthology
LGBTQ+ Editors Association – member, 2023–
Passionate Ink – member, 2024–
Toronto Romance Writers – 2024 Northern Hearts Conference planning committee
Maryland Romance Writers – member, 2023–
Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators – member, 2022–
Association of Writers & Writing Programs – member, 2024–
ACES: The Society for Editing – member, 2021–24
Alliance of Independent Authors – partner member, 2023–24
Don’t be without a bestie any longer. Contact me today!

Keywords: Romance, romantic fiction, MM romance, M/M romance, children’s literature, kidlit, kid lit, bios, blurbs, books, blogs, publicity training, mentoring, coaching, cowriting, ghostwriting, sewing, knitting, mystery, cozy mystery, autism, autistic, gendervague, queer, agender, ADHD, #ActuallyFat, neurodivergent, disabled, LGBTQIA+, copy edit, line edit, beta read, sensitivity, authenticity, proofreading, proofread, proofreader, audiobook proofing, audiobook manuscript preparation, Squarespace website builder

Lancaster, PA
US

https://www.YourPublishingBFF.com

Years in the field: 19
Years freelancing: 4

Marcina Zaccaria has worked at EdLab at Columbia University, editing articles for Teachers College Record and the New Learning Times. She has written and edited profiles for Howl Round, based at Emerson College, and has held temporary positions at Conde Nast and Rodale Publishing.

She is the Theatre and Opera Editor at The Theatre Times, and her clips can be found on Twitter.  As a Dramatist, Marcina Zaccaria has written monologues, Village, My Home, and All About Image/ We Are The Elite.  She has covered theatrical productions for The Brooklyn Rail.  She received her undergraduate degree from Tisch School of the Arts, and has an MFA from Columbia University.